independence northwest

09/10/2025

We are so proud of our Direct Support Professionals! All this week, September 7-13, we’re celebrating them, their passion, and the work they do to support people with disabilities in our community. Thank you, DSPs!

09/09/2025

Thank you Governor Kotek for declaring this week DSP Week!

09/08/2025

The 2nd week in September is always set aside for DSP recognition. Some of you may work as PSWs, job coaches or providing direct care. You may be parents, siblings or professional caregivers. Whatever your title, this week is for you!

09/05/2025

Summer may be coming to a close but our DSA providers are just getting started! Many local agencies are putting together exciting activities for the fall. Contact your PA and find out what is happening in your neck of the woods!

09/04/2025

For our employment providers: CPAO is offering employment CEU's at their conference this October. The conference is just outside of Salem. You can find out more at

Enriching the lives of people with disabilities. Community Providers Association of Oregon represents and supports service providers who serve people with disabilities in Oregon. mycpao.org

09/04/2025

Big changes at Oregon DHS!

August 2025 ODHS Community Partner Update Oregon Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 08/21/2025 04:45 PM PDT Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Date: August 21, 2025 Contact: ODHS Communications, Communications.odhs@odhs.oregon.gov Dear ODHS friends and colleagu...

09/03/2025

On Sept 17th Palladio Group is offering a webinar that you won't want to miss:

Social Security in 2025: Critical Updates for SSI, SSDI, & Rep Payees
Social Security benefits have changed again in 2025 — and whether you’re receiving SSI, SSDI, or serving as a representative payee, it’s important to stay informed. Join us for a clear, practical walkthrough of what’s new and what still confuses families, especially when wages, inflation, and age-related transitions impact benefits.

This webinar will cover key updates for both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), provide helpful context for individuals and families, and serve as a refresher course for rep payees navigating today’s benefit rules.

We are an independent, registered investment advisor (RIA) offering financial planning and investment advisory services exclusively tailored for people with disabilities, special needs trusts and their families. We are 100% committed to helping families that have received a disability diagnosis navi...

09/01/2025

08/30/2025

Important update from ODDS on the recruitment timeline their new director.

08/29/2025

Registration is open for the Oregon Employment First Summit!

Oregon’s Employment First SummitThursday, Oct. 2, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Gallery walk and networking event from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 Oregon Employment First partners are invited to com…

08/27/2025

The Oregon Office on Disability and Health at OHSU is seeking participants for the Linkage Project. This is a FREE experience for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Oregon.

The OODH Linkage Project Team works with individuals to provide preventive health education as well as connections to preventive health care and programs.

Click here for more info: https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-office-on.../linkage-project

08/26/2025

A Message from INW's Executive Director Larry Deal on our next chapter: https://tinyurl.com/inw-new-chapter

"I’m writing with a bit of news from our corner. After nearly 19 years as Executive Director of Independence Northwest, I’ll soon be passing the torch. I’m thrilled to announce that Jessica Kral will be stepping into the role as INW’s next Executive Director, effective September 1st.

Many of you already know Jess—and for those who don’t, you’ll soon see what a thoughtful, engaging, and exceptional leader she is. She joined INW in 2008 as a Personal Agent and has steadily taken on leadership roles over the years—Lead Personal Agent in 2012, Senior Program Supervisor in 2016, and Assistant Director since 2021. She is a gifted social worker with deep knowledge of home and community-based services. I couldn’t be more confident in her ability to carry this work forward—and I’m excited for what lies ahead under her guidance. I know Jess will take INW to great new heights.

This executive transition has been in the works since 2023, led by our Board of Directors. Together, we’ve crafted a thoughtful leadership handoff, focused on continuity and stability for our customers, community partners, and staff. I’m incredibly grateful to the six exceptional women who make up our Board for their unwavering support and steady guidance each step of the way. They are INW’s heart and its compass.

As for me—I’m not going far just yet. You’ll find me working behind the scenes at INW, focusing on policy and communication work, and supporting Jess as she steps into her new role. Professionally, I’m quite excited to pivot toward a more creative, flexible (and perhaps a tiny bit less bureaucratic) role. I'll be expanding INW's outward-facing communications by resuming our newsletter and blog, overhauling our website, and developing educational multi-media content. And on a personal level, this creates the flexibility my family and I need as we move closer to our longer-term goal of living abroad.

When I look back on what our team and our board has built together all these years on, I'm immensely proud. On a rainy day in December 2006, a small group of us met over coffee and pumpkin pie at a NE Portland Village Inn. We held our first board of directors meeting, and with a few quick signatures, Independence Northwest was born. It was an electric time. We felt incredibly blessed to play a role in helping clear a many-decades-long waitlist for community-based services for thousands of Oregonians with developmental disabilities.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your loved ones, and this extraordinary community. It has been the experience of a lifetime. 

Here's to INW’s next chapter!

Please join me in welcoming Jess into her new role by sending your congratulations and words of wisdom, encouragement, and support to jkral@independencenw.org.

All the best to you and yours,

Larry Deal